India, Nov. 25 -- Veteran actor Dharmendra's passing on Monday at the age of 89 has left the Hindi film industry in mourning. Rumours around his health had intensified earlier yesterday (November 24) after an ambulance, flanked by heavy security, arrived at his Juhu residence. Later, his family, as well as many stalwarts of the industry like Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan were spotted at Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai.

As tributes pour in from across the country, many are remembering not just the star he was, but the warmth, gentleness and protectiveness that defined him off-screen. One of the voices recalling that side of him is ace screenwriter Honey Irani. Acclaimed writer and former child star, who was...